Were you injured in a slip and fall accident?
File a premises liability claim to recover your financial compensation.
310 Margie Dr
Warner Robins, GA 31099
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Closed Saturday & Sunday
Attorneys available on weekends by appointment
Georgia accident lawyers helping slip and fall accident victims near Warner Robins for over 50 years
Slip and falls are the third most common causes of workplace fatalities in the state of Georgia, accounting for 15 percent of the total occupational fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the statistics aren’t all doom and gloom. In Georgia, the number of workplace slip and fall injuries is actually significantly lower than what it was in 2016.
If you’ve suffered from such an accident — whether at the workplace, in a store or elsewhere— and have questions about who should be paying for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses, then it’s time to talk to an experienced Warner Robins slip and fall attorney for answers.
“Mr. Hinson handled a personal injury matter for me. He kept me well informed and did an excellent job. I was very pleased with the outcome.”
Common causes of slip and fall accidents
- Uneven surfaces. Torn carpet, loose floorboards and running extension cords can all create an uneven surface to walk on, sending people tripping over themselves left and right.
- Wet floors. If a vigilant custodian or employee has just come through with a mop or waxed the floor to a shine, you can appreciate their handiwork… until you start to walk across it. While the job needs to get done, it’s not uncommon for people to slide and fall on slick surfaces that lack a proper “Wet Floor” sign.
- Improper training. The construction industry has one of the highest rates of workplace slip and fall injuries while on the job, chiefly due to improper training. Contractors and employers should always train their employees to safely use and handle tools in order to prevent missteps from happening and possible severe injuries. Store clerks should similarly be trained on how to protect customers and coworkers from floor hazards.
- Bad weather. Rain and ice make for slippery and uneven surfaces. For people who drive for a living, they must take extra care whenever they step out of their vehicles to avoid wet leaves, snow, and puddles.
- Nursing home neglect. An estimated 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fall each year, most likely due to lack of proper care among the nursing home staff and administration, which results in fractured hips and other life-threatening injuries.
- Improper footwear. Nearly a quarter of slip and falls are caused by improper footwear, according to the National Floor Safety Institute. Without the right traction, work boots and sneakers can be just as hazardous as high heels on wet and slippery surfaces.
- Intentional act. The National Floor Safety Institute has also found in some cases that slip and falls are actually purposeful, accounting for 3 percent of this accident each year. Perhaps someone deliberately spills something on the floor to cause another person to slip, or a fight breaks out and one person is aggressively pushed.
Where do slip and falls happen most often?
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but the most common settings include grocery stores, private homes, restaurants, swimming pools, parks and playgrounds, nursing homes, and escalators and elevators.
When the proper warning signs aren’t posted, these places are magnets for slip and fall accidents. Lack of maintenance is another contributing factor. Without the proper care and upkeep, uneven and hazardous surfaces are created and accidents happen.
Common slip and fall injuries
- Sprains. A twisted knee or ankle may not be as serious as a broken hip, but it can mean weeks of keeping weight off the leg or foot to allow the connective ligaments to heal properly.
- Fractures. Hips are the most likely body part to get hurt in a slip and fall accident, resulting in fractures that require surgery to correct and months of healing. The pelvis, legs, forearms, upper arms, and hands are commonly hurt.
- Head injuries. The most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a fall, causing 40 percent of concussions, cognitive impairment, and other debilitating symptoms across the United States.
- Back injuries. Adults over the age of 65 are particularly susceptible to back injuries caused by a slip and fall, including a fractured vertebrae or ruptured disc in severe cases. These can lead to temporary or even permanent paralysis.
- Shoulder injuries. Along with the hips, shoulders are also known for taking the brunt of a slip and fall, causing the shoulder to be dislocated or a brachial plexus injury. While painful, a dislocation is simply a matter of popping the joint back into the socket. A brachial plexus injury, on the other hand, usually requires surgery to repair damaged nerves followed by months of physical therapy.
Determining liability in a slip and fall accident
There are two sides to every argument. And even if you’re confident in your side of the story, the other side isn’t going down without a fight. If your lawsuit makes it to trial, then the other party may try to pin some or all of the responsibility on you by claiming you were negligent in connection to the accident. Thus, the court might reduce the damages awarded to you under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule.
Worse, any damages you might’ve received before part of the blame was put on you won’t be awarded at all if you’re found responsible for accident at least 50 percent or more. This is why you must have a strong case and competent attorney before standing in front of the judge.
Georgia premises liability
statute of limitations
Most states, including Georgia, give victims of a slip and fall 2 years to file a personal injury claim against the owner of the property where the incident occurred, and 4 years to file a lawsuit for property damages.
Whether it’s a personal injury or property damage claim (or both), the clock starts ticking from the moment the slip and fall occurs. If you try to file a claim once the deadline has passed, it will be very difficult if not impossible to get a court date.
What damages can I recover for a slip and fall in Warner Robins, GA?
The compensation awarded to you can help cover extensive medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Here’s an overview of the types of damages you may be eligible for:
- Medical costs. This includes initial treatment, medication, physical therapy, and even gas used for trips to doctor’s appointments.
- Lost wages. Some individuals sustain such severe injuries that it takes months to recover, which includes limited mobility that could permanently affect how they perform their job. If they’re forced to reduce the amount they work or take an entirely new position, then the court may calculate the decrease in wages and award them as part of the settlement.
- Pain and suffering. Emotional distress is not easy to calculate, but it must be done nonetheless. Your attorney will try to put a dollar amount on the pain you’ve suffered, opportunities lost, and general unhappiness in order to help you get compensated for the repercussions of a slip and fall accident.
- Wrongful death. In the tragic event that a slip and fall causes the death of a loved one, a wrongful death lawyer can help you reach a settlement to cover the costs of arranging a funeral and burial, as well as any medical expenses incurred before death.
Why contact an experienced Warner Robins, GA slip and fall lawyer?
Our team of injury lawyers will fight so you don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. The first consultation is free. During your initial consultation, we will sit down with you face-to-face and offer our full attention and best judgment. With offices located in Warner Robins, Macon, and Albany, the professionals at the law firm of Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley, & Hinson are ready and waiting for your call.
